We named Philadelphia Robotics Coalition as a recipient of the Sony Create Action Grant to support their mission of addressing disparities in STEM education by providing after-school robotics programming at under-resourced city schools. As recipients of the Create Action Grant, Philadelphia Robotics Coalition receives $50,000 in cash to continue and expand the organization's work, $50,000 in Sony Electronics products to support their action plan, and this Sony-produced short film telling their story.
The Philadelphia Robotics Coalition is building an ecosystem of mentorship and support for the next generation of STEM leaders in Philadelphia through robotics programs in public schools. “10 years from now we do not know what jobs or careers are going to be available to these young people,” explains Dr. Dia Jones, executive director of the program. “So we want them to stay on the cutting edge of what’s coming up so they can have an opportunity to be their very best in this world.”
Since the organization’s founding in 2016, they’ve brought participation to an all-time high, meaning more students on robotics teams that will benefit them in their classes and prepare them for college and career. “There’s always a problem to be solved. There’s always an issue to fix. And there’s always something to keep you involved, you know, engaged in what you’re doing,” says future STEM leader Christian.
“This world is going toward STEM,” Dr. Jones adds. “It’s going toward tech, engineering, mathematics and coding. These are skills that our students have to learn in order to thrive.”
The hands-on, minds-on STEM challenges that students face in robotics programs assist them in building critical thinking, problem solving, and communications skills. As part of a team, students learn cooperation and dependability. The experiences they have on a robotics team benefit them in their classes and prepare them for college and career.
“The only thing that I want to happen or to see from our children is that you fulfill whatever cream that you dream of,” says Dr. Jones. “Dream big and keep fighting for your dreams. Nothing and no one should stop you from getting where you need to go.”
Learn more about Philadelphia Robotics Coalition at roboticscoalition.org.
See more of our past Create Action winners at alphauniverse.com/createaction.
